Small Business Employee Benefits and HR Blog

What You Need to Know About Recruiting Qualified Candidates

For many small business owners, finding the perfect, qualified candidate is only a dream. It would be amazing if a candidate were to walk through the door and magically know everything already, is always on time, and consistently goes above and beyond. Alas, this dream rarely comes true.

The truth is, as a small business owner, it’s your responsibility to get out and find as many qualified candidates in your industry as you can -- the question is, how is it done? We’ve rounded up some of the best advice to help you get a firm grasp on the secrets to effective recruiting.

Treat Recruiting Like Finding A Job - Get Out and Look

Think of recruiting in the same way you look for a job -- it’ll motivate you to get up and get out. When you’re looking for a job, what’s the best way to do it? Go out and talk to people, right?

Similarly, in order to find qualified candidates, you have to be willing to put in the sweat-equity. And one of the best places to talk to many people in a short amount of time is at a career fair. Go to local community colleges and universities to find out when their next career fair is, invest in a flashy, fun display, and show candidates why your company is the company to work for.

Don’t Discount Your Own Website for Recruiting

Do you have a “Careers” page on your website? If not, now is the time to get on it. Why? A Careers page isn’t just for fun, it’s used for candidates who are impressed by your company and want to find your open positions.

Knowing this, make sure you’re Careers page is simple, user-friendly, and always up-to-date. This allows the most qualified candidates to know and understand what you and your company expect from them. A good Careers page will clearly outline what you’re looking for in your industry and what you consider to be a qualified candidate.

Don’t Over-Complicate It

It’s easy to over-complicate recruiting when you’re looking for a qualified candidate to fill a position. In reality, you may have the perfectly qualified candidate you’re looking for right in front of you. Before you go out and start recruiting as yourself, “Are any of my current employees a great match for the position I need to fill?”

Recruiting a qualified candidate from within your company is a smart move. Why? They require less training, they already know your company, culture, and the way things work, and you already know their work ethic.

How Can You Start Recruiting Qualified Candidates in Your Industry?

Now that you have a good idea of where to start, you’ll feel much more confident in your ability to make smart choices and recruit the candidate for your small business. But, a little extra help never hurts. As such, here are some great tools to help you recruit qualified candidates like a pro.

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is general in nature and does not apply to any specific U.S. state except where noted. Health insurance regulations differ in each state. See a licensed agent for detailed information on your state. PeopleKeep, Inc., does not sell health insurance.